Two Egypt police killed in clash with militants in Delta

March 19, 2014 - 11:46:38 am

CAIRO: Two Egyptian policemen were killed during a raid on a militant hideout north of Cairo on Wednesday, security officials said, as the military-installed government battles a widening jihadist campaign.

The policemen were shot dead in an exchange of fire with the militants near the Nile Delta town al-Qanatir al-Khayriya, roughly 30 kilometres or 19 miles north of Cairo.

Militants have killed more than 200 policemen and soldiers in bomb and shooting attacks since the army's overthrow of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July.

Most of the attacks have taken place in the lawless Sinai Peninsula, where jihadist leaders are believed to be based.

Attacks on security forces have spread to the capital and elsewhere in the Nile Delta.

On Saturday, gunmen shot dead six soldiers at a military checkpoint in northern Cairo and planted bombs to target first responders before fleeing the scene. The bombs were safely defused. (AFP)